Mongrel dog breed

Your dog’s diet needs to give them the correct nutrients. The nutritional content is printed on all dog food packaging. There will also be guidelines on the amount of food your dog needs. This is normally calculated by their weight. If you’re unsure what your dog needs, speak to your vet.

Mongrel puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day. This will need gradually reducing as they get older because adult dogs only need to be fed 1-2 times a day.

Grooming requirements will vary depending on what breeds your dog has been crossed with. Long-haired breeds need brushing with a dog brush 2-3 times a week, whereas a short coat will only need to be brushed once.

Most dogs only need bathing once every 6-8 weeks, or when they are smelly or dirty. If you bath your dog at home this is a good time to give your dog a health check; check your dog’s teeth, eyes and ears for signs of disease. The sooner you notice a health problem, the quicker you can treat it.

All dogs need to have their claws regularly clipped to keep them short. Long claws are more prone to breaking. If you walk your dog on paving, their claws will be worn down, so you won’t need to cut them as often. Dogs walked on grass will need their claws trimming every month or so. You can learn to do this yourself or take them to a groomer or veterinary nurse.

To prevent your dog from getting dental disease, you should brush your dog’s teeth once a day. If you start this at a young age, your dog will get used to it. Make sure you use a dog toothpaste; human toothpaste is toxic to dogs. Plus, dog toothpaste is often flavoured to make it appealing to your dog.

Any dog can be trained with patience and persistence. Find what works best for you and your dog. Some dogs love toys and will respond better to a ball, others prefer food. Positive rewards will keep your dog interested in the training and have better outcomes.

It’s easier to toilet train a Mongrel puppy than an adult dog. House training can be difficult in older dogs as they’ll be used to toileting indoors. But, with patience and practice, any dog can learn.

Dog training is great stimulation for your dog both physically and mentally. It can also be a great way to socialise your dog. If you take them to training classes, you’ll learn new tips for training success and your dog will get to make friends.

Periodontal disease is a dental infection that causes inflammation of the gums. It occurs when food and bacteria collect along the gum causing a build-up of plaque. If this plaque is left it turns to tartar, which contains bacteria that will cause inflammation and infection in the gum tissue. Your dog may be reluctant to eat due to the pain.

Your vet can remove the tartar and any unhealthy teeth. Antibiotics will be given to treat any infection. It’s a progressive disease that can be prevented by brushing your dog’s teeth daily, removing the plaque before it turns into tartar.

If your dog is showing signs of leg weakness, it may be suffering from hip dysplasia. Take your dog to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Hip replacement surgery may be needed if the condition is severe. In some cases, the pain can be managed with pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your vet. Your dog will need to take this medication for the rest of its life. Weight control and a restricted exercise programme will also help with the pain.

Hip dysplasia will lead to arthritis in the hip joints in later life. Your dog’s joints will become stiff and movement will be painful. But with medication, most dogs still live a good quality of life.